Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that proves simplicity can be delicious. Made with only three main ingredients, spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper.
This dish is a quick dinner that comes together in no time. If you’re wondering how to cook spaghetti for an authentic Italian meal, cacio e pepe is a great place to start.
Easy Cacio e pepe recipe.
For those who enjoy simple pasta dishes, this recipe is a perfect match and much more easier Meghan Markles delicious one pot spaghetti recipe.
Cacio e pepe is similar to spaghetti aglio e olio, another Italian favorite that uses garlic and olive oil for flavor.
Both recipes plus Pesto tagliatelle are easy ways to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Highlights
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples are needed.
Authentic Flavor: The bold taste of Pecorino Romano and pepper gives it a traditional Italian touch.
Versatile Dish: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be adjusted to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
Spaghetti: Traditional pasta choice that holds the sauce well.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: Provides the salty, tangy flavor essential to this dish. Substitute with Parmesan cheese.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bold, slightly spicy kick.
Salt: To season the pasta water.
Reserved Pasta Water: Helps create the creamy sauce.
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- Pasta pot
- Sauce pan
How to make Cacio e pepe
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add freshly ground black pepper and cook for about a minute to enhance the flavor.
Pour about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water into the skillet, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and the remaining butter.
Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring continuously until a creamy sauce forms.
Add more pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Serve Immediately: Garnish with extra cheese and pepper if desired.
What to serve with Cacio e pepe
Cacio e pepe pairs well with light side dishes that balance its rich flavor. Try serving it with.
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Salads: Try Caesar Salad, simple chickpea salad or a BLT salad to create a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, Roasted Asparagus or mixed vegetables.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover cacio e pepe in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Use Freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese won’t melt smoothly and may result in a clumpy sauce.
- Toasting the pepper enhances its aroma and deepens the flavor.
- Add Pasta Water Gradually as this helps create a silky sauce without making it too watery.
- Stir Constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping as it melts.
- Reduce the amount of pepper or use a milder variety if you prefer a less spicy dish.
FAQs
Cacio e pepe is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Rome. The name translates to “cheese and pepper,” highlighting the two main ingredients. It’s known for its creamy texture and bold, peppery flavor.
While Parmesan can be used in a pinch, Pecorino Romano gives the dish its authentic flavor. Parmesan will produce a milder taste.
If the cheese isn’t melting smoothly, the pasta water may not be hot enough, or the cheese may not be finely grated. Stir constantly and add water gradually.
Yes, but spaghetti works best for capturing the sauce. Other long pasta types like bucatini or linguine are good alternatives.
More quick dinners
Check out all our quick dinner recipes.
Try my Cacio e pepe recipe today!
Cacio e pepe is a quick dinner that brings the flavors of Rome straight to your table. With its minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an excellent choice for busy evenings.
If you’re looking for another simple Italian dish, check out this spaghetti aglio e olio recipe for a delicious variation. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!
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Cacio e pepe recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until it’s just tender, following the directions on the package. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the freshly cracked black pepper and let it cook for about a minute to bring out its full flavor.
- Add about ½ cup of the saved pasta water to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and another tablespoon of butter.
- Turn the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated cheese, stirring constantly. Keep tossing the pasta until the cheese melts into a smooth, glossy sauce.
- If needed, splash in more pasta water until the consistency is creamy and coats the noodles well.
- Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pan to the plate. This dish is all about simplicity and comfort, enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Notes
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. If Pecorino Romano isn’t available, a good Parmesan will work too.
- Freshly cracked pepper, finely grated cheese, and a solid brand of pasta can really make a difference, this dish lets each ingredient shine.
- Always save at least a cup or two of pasta water. Its starchiness is the secret to a rich, creamy sauce. You might not need it all, but it’s handy to have on standby.
- Finely grating the cheese helps it melt more evenly into the sauce, preventing clumps and giving you a velvety finish.
- Toasting the black pepper in butter brings out its warmth and spice, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- This pasta is meant to be served right away—don’t wait! The sauce is at its creamiest when it’s fresh and hot.
Chichi says
Cacio e Pepe is one of the easiest pasta recipes you can make at home. Hope you get to try it and let us know what you think. Enjoy.